Syracuse's Rosamond Gifford Zoo has 2 new red panda cubs

Published 1:56 am, Saturday, September 17, 2016

The zoo announced ahead of Saturday's celebration that it has two new red panda cubs, one male and one female. Ravi and Amiya were born in late June.

Their mother, Tabei, has been caring for them inside nest boxes since their birth, and zookeepers have been conducting regular weight and wellness checks. Zoo officials say they have opened their eyes and are mobile.

The cubs are not on exhibit to zoo guests, but adult pandas Kadesh and Biru are.

International Red Panda Day supports global awareness of the endangered species. Red pandas are the size of a large house cat and have reddish-brown fur, a long bushy tail and a white mask with dark cheek markings.